I'm A Celeb... 2020 to be filmed in the UK for the first time ever

Amid the global pandemic

Author: Emma DoddsPublished 7th Aug 2020
Last updated 2nd Sep 2020

ITV have just announced that this year's series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! will be filmed in the UK for the first time ever. The show normally sees a handful of famous faces jet off to Australia to live their lives in the outback, but this year will be very different due to the global pandemic.

Announcing the news, ITV revealed that the show will be broadcast live every night from a ruined castle somewhere in the countryside - also confirming that Ant and Dec will be back to host the show once again.

ITV say of the show, 'As on the regular series, viewers will see the celebrities undertake gruelling trials and fun-filled challenges to win food and treats in the lead up to one of them being crowned, for the first time ever, King or Queen of the Castle.'

Richard Cowles, Director of Entertainment at ITV Studios, said, "We pulled out all the stops to try and make the series happen in Australia. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and despite us looking at many different contingencies, it became apparent that it just wasn’t possible for us to travel and make the show there.

"However, we are all really excited about a UK version of I’m A Celebrity. While it will certainly be different producing the show from the UK, the same tone and feel will remain. Our celebrities will probably have to swap shorts for thermals but they can still look forward to a basic diet of rice and beans and plenty of thrills and surprises along the way."

Scroll through to see which celebrities are rumoured to appear on I'm A Celeb 2020:

Patsy Palmer

Following her appearance on Celebrity Big Brother, bookies had odds of 2/1 for EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer to appear on this year's show. As reality TV fans will know, she's no stranger to TV, having appeared on the likes of The Masked Singer and Dancing On Ice.

Nick Ferrari

Reports suggested bosses were determined to get TV and Radio host Nick Ferrari on this year's line-up!

Jools Oliver

When hosts Ant and Dec invited TV chef Jamie Oliver to appear on the show, he quickly declined, saying: "Thanks for the offer boys, I would love to come on I'm A Celeb. "I think it's an amazing show, but honestly, you couldn't give me enough olive oil in the world to make me eat a witchetty grub or a kangaroo's a--e, no way."


However, he did nominate his wife Jools, adding: "But what I can give you is my wife Jools, she would love to be on the show. Go on Jools."

Ally McCoist

Scottish football legend Ally McCoist was reportedly in 'advanced talks' with bosses to appear on the 2024 series, but he didn't appear! The pundit has turned down the show twice in the past, and it looks like he's done the same again.

Jeremy Clarkson

Thanks to the success of Clarkson's Farm, rumours were rife that Jeremy Clarkson is in demand with reality TV shows, with I'm A Celeb reportedly top of the list!

Tommy Fury

Bookies were tipping Tommy Fury to sign up for the 2024 series, but after landing a rematch with KSI, Tommy turned down the show. Now he's back with Molly-Mae, many thought he'd feature in the 2025 line-up.

Giovanni Pernice

Following his removal from Strictly Come Dancing, ITV/STV bosses were reportedly keen to sign up Giovanni Pernice for the 2024 series, with Mail Online suggesting they are ready to splash out £100,000 to sign him. However, Giovanni then signed up for the Italian version of Strictly and he didn't appear!

Richard Gadd

After shooting to intense fame in 2024 following the release of Netflix's Baby Reindeer, Scottish actor and comedian Richard Gadd was reportedly being lined-up by bosses.

Olivia Attwood

As fans will know, reality star Olivia Attwood was forced to quit the 2022 series due to medical reasons, leaving her gutted. Olivia later hinted she could return for the 2023 series, admitting she'd had chats with bosses during an appearance on Loose Women.


Although she's in demand right now and very busy with radio and TV jobs, we have to admit we'd love to see Liv back in the jungle at some point!

Alex Beresford

Good Morning Britain weather reporter Alex Beresford recently expressed interest in appearing on I'm A Celeb. He told the Mirror: "Out of all the shows I would love to do, I would love to do the jungle."


Alex recently appeared on BBC One's Celebrity Race Across The World.

Danny Dyer

Since Danny Dyer left his iconic role as Queen Vic landlord Mick Carter on EastEnders last year, he's been heavily rumoured for I'm A Celeb.


Of course, his family are no strangers to reality TV, with Danny's daughter Dani winning Love Island back in 2018.

Denise van Outen

The lovely Denise van Outen is no stranger to reality shows, having appeared on the likes of Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Gogglebox in recent years.


Denise has previously admitted she turned down the offer in 2021, but it looks like she's not going to appear in 2025.

Phil Taylor

Ever since he admitted he'd 'love' to appear on the show a number of years ago, darts legend Phil Taylor has been heavily rumoured every year.

Will Mellor

Following his stint on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, it seems actor Will Mellor has the reality TV bug, as he's admitted to his friend and former co-star Ralf Little he'd fancy appearing on I'm A Celeb

Ant and Dec have yet to comment on the news.

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